Submitted by Ryan Cherlin
A tragedy of epic proportions, the floods in Pakistan have already affected more than 12 million people. Rain continues to fall, water levels are still rising, and the country’s dams are already operating at high capacity. An estimated 1,500 have perished, millions are left vulnerable without access to healthcare, and more than 650,000 homes were washed away by flash floods leaving billions of dollars of damage in its wake. USAID/Pakistan immediately responded to the country’s National Disaster Management Authority’s call for help to provide much needed assistance to flood victims.
Pakistani flood-affected people receive food supplies at a world Food Programme distribution point in Mohib Banda village in the outskirts of Nowshera on August 6, 2010. The worst floods in Pakistan's living memory have affected 12 million people in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the national disaster management agency said on Friday. Photo credit: BEHROUZ MEHRI / AFP
USAID mobilized its Disaster Assistance Response Team to provide rescue boats, water filtration systems, food, and shelter. Each day, our efforts are providing 60,000 people with clean drinking water, 20,000 people with food, and over 65,000 people with shelter. Recently, USAID announced an additional $20 million for flood relief efforts, bringing the Agency’s total contribution to $55 million—a figure which is sure to grow as the tragedy unfolds.
In Pakistan, disaster and despair have given rise to great humanity. The American people have a history of responding generously to the people of Pakistan in times of need. In 2005 when the devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan, USAID was there. In 2009 when conflict erupted in Pakistan’s FATA region, USAID provided relief to internally displaced persons. In early August when the monsoon rains began to fall and the flood waters began to surge, USAID responded. And even long after the flood waters recede—USAID will be here to rebuild what was lost.
Working with mGive, Americans are contributing to Pakistan flood relief by texting the word “SWAT” to 50555. The text will result in a donation of $10 to the UNHCR Pakistan Flood Relief Effort. Every $10 helps provide tents and emergency aid to displaced families.
I WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO HELP PAKISTAN PEOPLE BUT I WANT TO BE SURE THE MONEY GETS TO THEM AND NOT INTO A FAT CAT’S POCKET. GUIDE ME!!!
The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations.
A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for flood response efforts in Pakistan can be found at http://www.interaction.org.
Information on organizations responding to the humanitarian situation in Pakistan may be available at http://www.reliefweb.int.